THE MUSEUM Hangar digest VOLUME 13, NO. 3 JULY — SEPT 2013

— Hangar 1301: isis itit HAUNTED?HAUNTED? Delmarva Historic Haunts investigates after hours — P-61: queen of the night skies AMCM volunteer Jim Reed remembers the Black Widow — chopper jockeys soar again Vietnam helicopter pilots reunite at AMC Museum

THE AMC HANGAR DIGEST IS A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMC MUSEUM FOUNDATION INC. PAGE 2 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3

Air Mobility Command Museum Mission Statement The mission of the Air Mobility Command Museum is twofold: ● To present the history and development of military airlift and tanker operations. ● In a goal closely aligned with the first, to portray the rich history of Dover Air Force Base and its predecessor, Dover Army Airfield.

The AMC Museum Hangar Digest is published quar- terly and is dedicated to AMC Museum Staff AMC Museum Foundation the preservation of our Director Board of Directors airlift and tanker herit- Mike Leister President age. All articles, unless Deputy Director Col. Don Sloan, USAFR (Ret.) John Taylor otherwise noted, are writ- Vice President Archivist ten by the editor. Lt. Col. Paul Gillis, USAFR (Ret.) Lt. Col. Harry E. Heist, USAF (Ret.) Secretary Viewpoints in this publica- Collections Manager tion are those of the contrib- Lt. Col. Phil White, USAF (Ret.) Deborah Sellars Treasurer uting authors and do not nec- Educator SMSgt. Eric Getz, USAF (Ret.) essarily reflect the opinions of Dick Caldwell Members The AMC Museum Founda- Museum Store Manager SMSgt. Jon Andrews, USAF (Ret.) tion or of the Museum’s staff. Jim Stewart Robert Berglund Subscriptions are free and Volunteer Coordinator David Bever are mailed via nonprofit Janice Caldwell Bettie Campbell standard mail to paid-up Librarian Mike Frebert members of The AMC Muse- MSgt. Bob Wikso, USAF (Ret.) Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Groth, USAFR (Ret.) um Foundation Inc. Membership Manager William F. Hare Contributions. Reader com- Deborah Sellars Bob Mench ments, articles and ideas are Website (www.amcmuseum.org) CMSgt. Ed Perkowski, USAF (Ret.) solicited for future issues. Hal Sellars Col. Larry Tasker, CAP Mail to The Hangar Digest, Volunteer Liaison Gerry Wright 1301 Heritage Road, Dover Terry Anderson AFB DE 19902-5301; fax 302- Social Media Manager 677-5940; or email ntrprz@ Silas Stephen dmv.com. What is the Air Mobility Command Museum? Contact Editor Master Sgt. Jeff Located in Hangar 1301 on Dover Air Force Base, Kent County, , the AMC Museum is Brown, USAF (Ret.) via email at part of the National Museum of the Air Force’s field museum system. [email protected]. Hangar 1301 was built in 1944 and used in World War II by the 4146 Base Unit as a secret rocket Photos are by Jeff Brown, development site at what was known as the Dover Army Airfield. During the 1950s through 1970s, the unless otherwise noted. area was home to various fighter squadrons serving the base. Following several years of inactivity, the facility was renovated to house the AMC Museum. The Museum consists of the former hangar, adminis- Cover photo: The constellation of Orion the trative offices, shop and heating plant, and now counts more than 30 planes as part of its inventory. Hunter rises above the Museum’s F-106 Delta Dart at approximately 9 p.m. on April 13, 2013. Hangar 1301 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. The moon is at the right; it actually was in its last Although located on Dover AFB proper, entrance to the Museum may be made from Delaware quarter, but the long exposure of the photograph Route 9, south of the base. Admission to and parking at the Museum is free and military identifica- makes it appear brighter than it was. tion is not required. The Air Mobility Command Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday Editor’s note: The careful reader will note there through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. are two Jeff Browns in this issue: your friendly For more information, call 302-677-5939. neighborhood editor and a member of Delaware Historic Haunts. I can assure our faithful sub- scribers that we are not one and the same! The Hangar Digest is printed and mailed by Associates International, Dover, Del. HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 3 From the Director Sometimes, it’s just the little things ... This spring was unusual for its weather fully moved into our new restoration and the name of the unit close enough for us but despite the storage facility. It took a little longer than to figure it out. I wrote back a list of sug- rain and un- we hoped but now we will have a place gested websites and searches. About a seasonable for exhibit building and shop projects. month later I received another handwrit- coolness it has One very nice plus is a small office with ten letter apologizing and stating that he not stopped air conditioning to give our crews a place was in prison for a crime he had commit- visitors from to cool off during hot summer weather. ted years ago and could not access the coming to see The CG-4A glider has been attracting Internet. He was trying to find a patch for what’s new. attention ever since it went on display last his old friend on the outside who had You may year. It is one of only a handful of CG- given up on finding his unit patch. notice some 4As in existence and the only one dis- George was trying to help a guy who had new bird- played at ground level with a whole side stood by him all these years. I figured we proofing on a uncovered. Now the restoration crew has had to try too. few planes. AMCM Director added the crowning touch. We don’t have To make a long story shorter we were This is an ongo- Mike Leister room to put a full set of wings on the able to eventually identify the patch in ing battle with plane so we’ve built a 15 foot section of question. George’s friend had been sta- our wily feathered friends; it’s one we the left wing that shows just bare ribs, tioned in Alaska in the Air Transport never will win, but we try to keep ahead then covered on top and then fully fin- Command. I had a spare replica ATC of the problem. Our new trailer-mounted ished at the wing root. Now visitors can patch so I sent it along with an explana- portable pressure washing unit already is really see what kept these wooden warri- tion and some background info, that was paying big dividends in keeping the land- ors aloft in combat. It’s another outstand- the end of it, I thought. I received a fol- ing gear areas clear of bird droppings. ing job by our great team. Come take a low up letter from George stating that his Our guys cobbled it together out of odds look and see if you don’t agree. friend’s wife had written him saying her and ends using an old gas-powered wash- We get lots of requests for research husband had sat looking at that patch for er, some plumbing and a 60-gallon plastic here; some we can handle and some a very long time and then had it sewn on water tank. It sure beats dragging hoses would involve too much time for us to his coat. It really has brightened his out- 500 yards to clean up bird dirt! tackle. Some months ago I received a look, she said. Hal Sellars and Paul George have made carefully handwritten letter from a World Our World War II veterans are leaving some great progress on our Vietnam ex- War II vet named George asking me to us pretty quickly, some like George have hibit. The rotating slide show of airlift help him find a unit patch for a buddy. had mishaps over the years, but each one pictures taken by GIs themselves is up Usually we advise people to do web of them deserve our thanks for what they and running at the entrance to the exhibit searches or get a high school student to did back when the whole world was at and you can see folks standing there just do it for them. He had not included war. watching the parade of planes and people. enough information for me to help nar- By the time you read this we will be row down the search and he did not have — Mike

Edward B. “Sandy” Sandstrom Aug. 13, 1934 — April 3, 2013

AMC Museum volunteer and tour guide Edward B. “Sandy” Sandstrom passed away Wednesday,

April 3, 2013 in Lewes, Del. Sandy was born Aug. 13, 1934, in St. Paul, Minn. He joined the U.S. Navy, but later transferred to the U.S. Air Force, serving 24 years before retiring as a chief master sergeant. Sandy served as a flight engineer aboard some of the Air Force’s best-known aircraft, including the C-124, C-133 and C-5. After his retirement, Sandy worked for Playtex, L.D. Caulk and the AAL Insurance Company. Sandy was known as a tireless volunteer at the Air Mobility Command Museum, where he was a tour guide and also worked on aircraft restoration projects. He was instrumental in organizing many activities, including the 2012 reunion of C-133 crew members. Friend Dick Hanson wrote: Sandy was one of my veteran friends who defined and lived the ‘brotherly love’ that is the glue of the military ethos, then and now. He was the epitome of those who helped form that bond among us who may have had nothing in common but facing the dangerous unknowns of military duty. Additionally, Sandy was constantly performing inherently good personal acts to help each that he knew, and that he did until his last days. Sandy is missed by his many friends at the Museum. PAGE 4 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 Volunteer profile Nighttime was the right time for the P-61 AMCM volunteer and former 8th AF electrician Jim Reed recalls the Black Widow You cannot fight what you cannot see. as Allied forces began to demolish Hit- This basic tenant of war, which had ler’s Festung Europa following D-Day. ruled the thinking of generals since the AMC Museum tour guide volunteer beginning of military conflicts, effective- Jim Reed was one of many USAAF air- ly came to an end during World War II as men who accompanied the Black Widow strategists on both sides saw the value in in the last year of World War II in Eu- carrying the fight to the enemy 24 hours rope. He was just one of many airmen a day. The German V-1 and V-2 rockets assigned to the little-known but well- often were deployed during darkness, regarded night fighter units that operated creating even greater terror among their in Europe and the Pacific. victims. On the Allied side, the U.S. Ar- Reed came to the Museum shortly after my Air Forces devastated the Japanese retiring from the FBI and moving to Del- homeland with nightly fire raids and the aware. A newspaper ad asking for people Royal Air Force used newly-invented to help with airplane restoration work radar systems to bomb German and caught his eye, and he immediately industry under the cover of darkness. signed up. The Northrup P-61 Black Widow was Things didn’t go too well, though. developed specifically to capitalize on “I’m not a good mechanic, and I made Museum volunteer this new strategic thinking. Conceived in a couple of goofs,” he said. “So they said, Jim Reed response to the developing need for an ‘Why don’t you go over to the tour guide That was in 1978, even before the Mu- aircraft that could support nighttime op- side, selling souvenirs and T-shirts?’ and seum was officially chartered. Now, at 88 erations, the Black Widow made its mark that’s what I did.” years of age and with almost 35 years of volunteer work behind him, Reed is the AMCM’s oldest and longest serving tour guides. Oranges and saltines Reed was an aeronautical engineering student with one semester of college un- der his belt when he received his draft notice. Assigned to the U.S. Army Air Forces, the New Jersey native was or- dered to technical school as an electrician aboard the P-61, which had yet to be used in combat. The Black Widow was developed based on an initial Royal Air Force re- quest for a night fighter to counter the German Luftwaffe. Northrup, however, delivered the plane to the U.S. Army Air Forces, which also had a need for a high durability, radar-carrying gunship. Manned initially by a crew of three, which later was reduced to just a pilot and radar operator, the Black Widow’s unique design placed the men inside a central pod that featured a nose-mounted radar set. The RO was stationed in the back of the pod, where he could monitor his equipment and report to the pilot. Submitted photograph On either side of the central cockpit, Jim Reed, second from right, with pals Joseph W. Kelleher, James Bilenki and Northrup mounted twin 2,250 horsepow- Vincent W. Bono at their training base in Kissimmee, Fla. (Continued on page 5) HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 5

(Continued from page 4)

er engines on separate tail booms. Attack capability was provided by four 20mm cannons along the ventral fuselage and four .50-caliber machine guns in an upper turret. The plane also could be configured to carry bombs or rockets. With a service ceiling of 46,200 feet, the Black Widow could fly 1,200 miles, and cruised at 275 mph. The prototype XP-61 was first tested in May 1942, with production ramping up later that year. But because there weren’t enough of the new airplane available for USAF Museum photograph training, Reed learned his trade on a sub- The P-61 Black Widow, designed specifically for nighttime operations, first stitute, the P-70, a night fighter version of flew in May 1942. It was deployed to the United Kingdom in June 1944, and the A-20 Havoc. Technical school was at played an effective role in missions against Axis forces both in Europe and Embry-Riddle University near Miami, the Pacific. Fla., where he and other trainees were bivouacked, six men to a room, in one of arrived on May 23. The 422nd stayed at that base, which the town’s resort hotels. “For the most of us, that was the first now is the Cherbourg-Octeville Airport, USAAF officials planned to send P-61 time we’d even seen a P-61,” Reed said. until the end of August 1944. units to Europe, China and the South Pa- “We’d trained on the P-70, which was Reed was one of only two electricians cific, meaning the students had no idea very similar to the P-61.” in the squadron, which also included where they were headed once their train- One of the biggest jobs was reinstalling welders, painters, instrumentation spe- ing wrapped up. Reed was certain a trip electric generators, and then taking a day- cialists and propeller specialists. to the Far East was in his future. light flight to make sure both were work- “I was the number two electrician,” he “Up until the last minute they were ing properly, he said. During his time in said. “Whenever they had a problem, they showing us pictures of Japanese airplanes Europe, Reed never took part in a combat went to the number one man. He was so we could identify them,” he said. “But mission. something of a genius, from Arizona, he then the word came and we were sent to But he did play the bugle. While at the could fix anything. He taught me every- New York, so we knew we were going to training base and with nothing else to do, thing I know. I was just a kid with one Europe.” Reed was assigned as unit bugler, where semester of college. He was older and had Reed and other core members of the he was told to sound calls to various for- experience.” newly-formed 422nd Night Fighter mations. It went smoothly until he and By October 1944, the 422nd moved to Squadron left for England in February some squadron mates returned from a late an abandoned Luftwaffe airfield near 1944 aboard the converted luxury liner night trip to town where, admittedly, he’d Florennes, Belgium. Getting supplies was RMS Mauritania. They made the Atlantic had a few too many at the local pub. Reed proving to be a problem since the squad- crossing in less than five days, most of was talked into playing reveille at 2 a.m., ron answered to a different chain of com- which was spent zigzagging across the which resulted in the executive officer mand than the daylight fighter units. They ocean to avoid German U-boat patrols. confiscating the bugle. Fortunately, Reed survived, Reed said, thanks to a miracle- It was not a pleasant cruise. said, he managed to keep his stripes. worker supply sergeant who shuttled be- “I was seasick the whole trip,” Reed Carbines against tanks tween the and a supply depot in recalled. “If I hadn’t had oranges and Reed finally made it onto the European Paris just to get routine parts. saltines, I think I would have died.” continent 44 days after D-Day, taking a “If we’d waited to go through channels, The idea of a specialized night-fighter steamship over to France. we’d never have gotten the stuff,” he squadron was so new to the USAAF that “We didn’t even get our feet wet,” he said. when the 422nd arrived at its first station, said of their arrival at Utah Beach. “The The 422nd’s pilots continued to go out RAF Charmy Down, on March 7, 1944, door to the landing craft just plopped on missions through the winter, Reed confusion reigned supreme. down and we walked off. We had to go said. Unit P-61s shot down numerous “We were sort of oddballs, and no one about a mile or so to get to our trucks to Luftwaffe aircraft, but contrary to popular knew what do to with us,” Reed said. get to the base, which was located on a belief, none of those were examples of Without their P-61s to practice in – the hill above Cherbourg.” advanced airplanes such as the rocket- planes hadn’t yet arrived from the States The men stayed seven to a tent, sleep- powered Me-163. The squadron also lost – pilots got in their flight time using ing on cots with a large pot-bellied stove a number of aircraft to accidents, anti- Cessna aircraft. The 422nd moved to a in the center. Caution was called for, aircraft barrages and even friendly fire night fighter training base on May 6, fly- however, as the area still was surrounded incidents. It wasn’t uncommon for P-61s ing the British Mosquito until their P-61s by abandoned German mine fields. (See Black Widow on page 11) PAGE 6 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3

By FOUNDATION NOTES Don Sloan This year’s AMC Museum Foundation Annual Member Mixer will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 at the Museum. This special event is FREE for members who have joined at the Squadron Commander category and above; it’s also a great opportunity for non-members to join that evening and waive the requested $10 donation for the event. The event begins with free door prize tickets, free hors d’oeuvres and a pay-as-you-go bar. Boeing’s KC-97 Stratofreighter and KC-135 Stratotanker will be open, and as a special treat we’ll also be giving tours through our VC-9C (better known as ) and our recently finished C-119! At 6:15, we’ll have a brief introduction of staff and a few of our 150-plus Museum volunteers. Museum Director Mike Leis- ter will describe the latest Museum restorations and acquisitions, and we expect the commanders of the active duty 436th Air- lift Wing and Reserve 512th Airlift Wing to give us “State of the Wing” synopses. The evening’s program will wrap up with door prize drawings of articles from the Museum store. We purposely schedule very little agenda for the event so you can visit with old friends and meet new ones who share your interest in airlift and air-refueling history. The AMC Museum Foundation’s Member Mixer is a way of saying “Thank you” for your financial support in helping to preserve our airlift and tanker heritage.

Our Foundation Fund-Raiser Golf Tournament was held Friday, June 21. It was a huge success as 72 golfers turned out for an afternoon of fun! Our largest fundraiser, all the proceeds from this tournament go to help us fulfill the mission of the AMC Museum as an aviation and aerospace, education, scientific, cultural, historical, and inspira- tional facility for the general public and the Air Force community. It was a beautiful day for golfing, and everyone had a wonderful time. A highlight of the day was on the 16th hole where George Chabbott had sponsored a $500 award to the player getting their second shot closest to the par-5 hole. The happy winner was Mike Wright with a shot 16 feet 2 inches from the hole, edging out Brandon Sanders whose shot was 17 feet 8 inches. Mike donated half of his winnings back to the Foundation. We couldn’t make this work without the generosity of time and money of the folks listed below, and we’d like to give a special thanks to Director of Golf Craig Coffield and his outstanding staff of Dave, Jim, and Karen at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club for all they did for us on Tournament Day! (Phil White, Chairman, Golf Tournament Committee) I can’t say enough good things about Phil and his committee. The success of this tournament is only the result of a lot of hard work coordinated by a handful of great volunteers. Yet again, we had past board members Mike Quarnaccio, Rich Harper and Art Ericson hard at work for you! Ed and Phil beat the sidewalks looking for sponsors, while Bettie did her usual canvassing for sponsors and some great door prizes. Please thank them, and any sponsors you note below, for their part in our success! CORPORATE SPONSORS Ameriprise Financial-Ron Scheff Price Honda Standard Distributors, Inc. Dover Downs Pepsi Bottling Ventures of Delmarva LLC Tidewater Utilities George Chabbott Sam’s Club Townsend Brothers Chevrolet Marion Klein GOLF SPONSORS Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club Maple Dale Country Club Wild Quail Country Club PRIZE DONORS All Seasons Chick-fil-A of North Dover Bob Mench AMC Museum Foundation Dover Downs Hotel Bob Mooney AMC Museum Store Dover Downs Frankie’s Restaurant Phil White Capitol Tire & Auto Service Inc. Meat Mechanics Westside Car Wash Cheddar’s Restaurant HOLE SPONSORS “Doc” and Dorothy Adams Grotto Pizza Pat’s Aviation AMC Foundation Board Members H&R Block – Greg Davenport PPG of Dover Col. Diego “Doc” Alvarez Rich and Dottie Harper Proctor and Gamble: Dover Wipes Jon and Louise Andrews Harrington ERA Real Estate Regulatory Insurance Services Inc. Associates International Inc. Harrington Race Track and Casino Rick and Pat Roll Commissioner Brooks Banta Harry Louie Laundry & Dry Cleaning Don Sloan Dave Burke—“The Model Store” Hertrich Nissan Tidewater Utilities Mayor Carleton E. Carey Sr. Hollywood Diner Wells Fargo Home Mortgage/Wells Fargo Bank, Country Wine & Liquors I.G. Burton & Company, Inc./www.igburton.com Dover Dover Federal Credit Union Independent Newspapers – Delaware State News Bob Welsh – In Memory of Linda Welsh Dover Pool & Patio Center Inc. Liberty Chapter – Professional Loadmasters Assoc. Phil and Anne White Art and Bernice Ericson Lighthouse Construction Larry and Sally Williams First State Manufacturing Mr. B’s Super Liquor Warehouse Dave, Sharon and John Wuest Forney’s Too Nissan Motors, Milford

HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 7 Many thanks to our sponsors:

SPECIAL THANKS TO: AMC Museum Staff Don Sloan Mike Quarnaccio Art Ericson Ed Perkowski Phil White – Golf Chair Bettie Campbell Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course Rich Harper

PAGE 8 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 Looking for what goes bump in the night The Air Mobility Command Museum has called Hangar 1301 on Dover Air Force Base its home for more than 15 years. The hangar was built in 1944 as research facility for a top secret World War II rocket test program and served through the 1970s as space for a number of fighter units once stationed at the base. After those fighters left Dover, howev- er, the building fell into disrepair and was used for general storage for more than a decade. The hangar was restored in the early 1990s, when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been home to the AMCM since 1996. It has seen a lot of people come through its doors in almost 70 years, and it’s seen a lot of those people go. But, apparently, not all of them. USAF Photo A night at the Museum Members of Delmarva Historic Haunts, a group of paranormal investigators, be- Members of Delaware Historic Haunts include, from left, in rear, Jeff Brown, lieve the Museum hosts more than just a Christine Benson, Wendy Robinson, CEO Rick Coherd, Steve Wood, Jim Mait- diverse collection of lovingly maintained land, with guest Earl Jones; in front are Jenn Dalgarn, Jeanne Coherd and Tara vintage aircraft. It also may be home to Jones. the spirits of those who once flew on tage Skytrain, things that are difficult to counter electromagnetic fluctuations with some of those aircraft, as well as innocent explain. Investigator Steve Wood assem- the K-2, they ask the spirit to channel that men, women and children who perished bled an electronic net of video and sensor energy to spike the readings. With luck, it in one of history’s most tragic events. apparatus inside the plane’s cargo deck and sometimes can answer simple “yes” or Founded by Delawarean Rick Coherd, cockpit, connecting them to wires and ca- “no” questions. members of Delmarva Historic Haunts bles that snaked across the floor and were It doesn’t always work, and there are have investigated numerous historic lo- hooked into the group’s van. other, more earthly reasons that can cause cales in the First State, seeking evidence The van, emblazoned with the DHH the meter to react, but it is an important they harbor the spirits of people who once logo – a smirking ghost carrying a pocket tool for all investigators. lived or worked in them. Everyone in the watch – is both the group’s main transport Jenn Dalgarn admits a certain amount group has an interest in history, historic and a mobile command post. Inside, co- of curiosity drew her to take part in para- events and preserving historic buildings lead investigator Wendy Robinson was normal investigations. and sites. stationed in front of a monitor that kept “It’s what you don’t know, what you They also believe many of those histor- track of nine separate cameras. Every- can’t see that intrigues me,” she said. “I ic settings still harbor some of the essence thing the cameras see is digitally record- want to have the actual experience of of who those people were, a part left be- ed. seeing it and hearing it.” hind in this world before they went on to The investigators walked the Museum’s Dalgarn managed to get that experience the next. main floor carrying small electronic de- while investigating a ship once used as a Ten investigators from Delmarva His- vices, called K-2 meters, that measure lighthouse. Spying an apparition near the toric Haunts brought their equipment and changes in electromagnetic fields. Chang- vessel’s shower, she asked if she and one a mobile electronics lab to the Museum es in readings from the meters indicate a of the other investigators could come in. the night of April 13, intent on trying to lost spirit may be in the area; batteries “Sorry,” the spirit told her. settle the question of whether or not also have a tendency to drain quickly in “I thought it was very cool,” she said. Hangar 1301 is part of that nether world the presence of an otherworldly form. “It responded to us, it felt very sorry for between the living and the dead. “If we know there was a known person us.” Soon after the Museum closed that in the building or on the plane, then we One intriguing question was whether evening, the group set up cameras and ask for them,” explained Christine Ben- the investigators found any conflict be- infrared sensors throughout the main son. “We try to raise energy from them.” tween their work and their religious faith. floor, including the space around the Turf Benson always has been interested in Robinson, who wears a small cross on a and Sport Special C-47. worlds beyond this one. necklace, discussed that question with her There have been indications of some sort “The departed leave residual energy,” sister, who also is a minister. of odd happenings inside the D-Day vin- she explained. When investigators en- (Continued on page 12) HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 9 Remembering DAFB navigator Alex Witmer Friends and former crewmates of the late Lt. Col. Alexis Witmer are planning to install a plaque in his memory in a hallway at the AMC Museum. Witmer was born July 15, 1916, in Se- bastopol, Russia. He and his family immi- grated to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island, New York, and staying a short while in New England. They later took up resi- dence in Santa Barbara, Calif., which he called home most of his life. Witmer was a Sea Scout during his boyhood, and later attended the Mari- time Academy. He served in the Mer- chant Marine but joined the U.S. Army approximately six months after the De- cember 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. Dis- charged after World War II, he was called back to military service during the . He logged more than 10,000 hours as Submitted photo a U.S. Air Force navigator, and in addi- Alexis Witmer, center, shown with A-26 crewmen Leo Ehmann and John Marr tion to answering his nation’s call dur- during the Korean War, amassed more than 10,000 flying hours in his career. ing World War II and the Korean War, served proudly during the Vietnam that a problem and the plane flew to In- known. I can still remember his voice as Conflict. cirlik, Turkey without the compass. His clear as if he were standing right next to Witmer served as chief navigator in the knowledge and cool demeanor saved the me now.” former 1st Air Transport Squadron at crew days of time having to wait for a The brass plaque in his honor reads, Dover Air Force Base and was well repairman to be sent. “In memory of Lt. Col Alexis Witmer, known and well respected in the 1st and Witmer retired from the Air Force in chief navigator, 1st ATS, DAFB.” The 39th squadrons as well as throughout the 1970, and returned to Santa Barbara plaque also lists the names of each person C-133 community. where he was free to pursue his lifetime who donated to the plaque: Dick Hanson, Friends recalled Witmer as being “a passions of surfing and sailing. He added Alan Harding, Bob Jenkins, Ed Carr, small man in stature, but a giant in water skiing to his resume when he was George Edlin, Jim Dugar and Jim Dunn. capabilities.” in his late 70s. A memorial brick also has been placed One example of his skills came during Witmer died on Christmas Day, 2012. in the Museum’s Commemorative Gar- a mission to New Delhi, India, when the Fellow 1st ATS navigator Jim Dugar den. It reads: “Dedicated to Lt. Col. Al main compass went haywire during a remembers Witmer as “one of the great- Witmer, chief navigator and role mod- preflight check. Witmer didn’t consider est and most energetic guys I’ve ever el, by crewmates, 1st ATS, DAFB.” Foundation lists Squadron Commander and above memberships The following persons either have signed up for or upgraded their Museum memberships to the Squadron Commander level or above between July 2012 and June 2013: Squadron Commander Group Commander Jonathan R. Andrews, Lt. Col. John A. Burke, Col. Paul Doto SMSgt. Ronald J. Pawlowski (USAF, Ret.), Elery H. Walizer Jr., Dennis Eck, George R. Edlin, SMSgt. Jack A. Egolf (USAF, Wing Commander Ret.), Gerald Brady SMSgt. Eric Getz (USAF, Ret.), Col. Hampton Green, Chester Lifetime Hollingsworth, Robert B. Jenkins, John Macek, Richard Marks, Paul Bechly, David Buehler, Diane Crom, Ronald N. Howder- Maj. Sage H. Olson, Rick Roll, Joseph Rondinelli, John R. shelt, MSgt. Roger C. Yourde (USAF, Ret.) and SMSgt. Tom Ruehl, Young James Runk, Greg Scopel, Bill Thornton, Mr. and Mrs. Fran- Eagle Donor cis Urick, and Keith D. Wentzel. Gregory Davis Photo Col. Robert P. Walsh (USAF, Ret.) Thank you for your support of the AMC Museum! PAGE 10 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 AMCM hosts Vietnam Army pilots reunion The temperature outside the Air Mo- a memorial ceremony that honored fel- bility Command Museum’s Hangar 1301 low aviators who failed to return from on March 2, 2013, might have been bare- the war, a screening of an episode of the ly above freezing, but the atmosphere Great Planes television series about the inside was one of warm camaraderie and Huey, part of which was taped a the Mu- breezy talk. seum in 2010 and features the UH-1 now The occasion was the inaugural reunion on static display. There also was a of U.S. Army pilots who had, in addition BYOL – bring your own lunch – and a to their flying experiences, two things in guided tour of the Museum. common: they all live on the Delmarva Everyone who came to the reunion got Peninsula, and they all served as heli- a chance to sit in the cockpit of Muse- copter pilots in the Republic of Vietnam. um’s UH-1 and relive memories of those The AMCM was a natural place to long-ago days. hold the reunion, according to organizer In addition to the Army, the UH-1 also Rick Roll, a former chopper pilot and was used by the Navy, Marine Corps and Museum tour guide: the Museum is lo- the Air Force, and although the Muse- cated on Dover AFB, which is smack in um’s Huey is painted in USAF livery, it the middle of the 5,400-square mile pen- spent its career as a U.S. Army bird. insula, formed from the state of Dela- Tagged with serial number 69-15475, ware and portions of and Vir- this UH-1 was a 1970-1973 Vietnam ginia. Submitted photo combat veteran of the 201st Assault Hel- The Museum also features an example icopter Company from Phan Thiet. of the bird many of them flew, the UH-1 Reunion organizer Rick Roll greets According to the feedback received the pilots and their families in the Iroquois, better known as the Huey. Museum’s theater. from the pilots and their families, Roll Roll, who piloted attack helicopters said everyone had a great day, and all with D Troop, 3rd Squadron of the 5th some with their wives, children and appreciated the hospitality and support Cavalry Regiment during 1967, contact- grandchildren. One pilot even brought received from the Museum’s staff. ed the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Associ- along his former crew chief, giving the Before leaving, the group unanimously ation (VHPA) and managed to locate group a chance to honor him and his agreed to hold another reunion, and, Roll more than 150 of his fellow aviators liv- fellow mechanics, all of whom were said, all agreed to honor their “10- ing on Delmarva. responsible for keeping the complicated percent rule,” i.e., that when it comes to Everyone received an invitation via Hueys in the air. Many also manned ma- telling war stories, all must contain a email or phone to come to the reunion. chine guns aboard the Hueys whenever minimum of 10-percent factual infor- He was pleasantly surprised when they were on missions. mation. more than 30 accepted and showed up, The comprehensive program included

Submitted photo

More than 30 Vietnam veterans, all of who served as UH-1 held March 2, 2013, at the Air Mobility Command Museum. helicopter pilots, attended the first reunion of Huey fliers Reunion organizer Rick Roll is at the far left. HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 11

wiped from the sky. The 422nd, along In 1952, he was hired as an agent for the Black Widow with its sister unit, the 425th NFS, rarely Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he (Continued from page 5) encountered hostile German aircraft. was involved in several major espionage to return to base riddled from shells fired The unit’s last station was near Bad cases during the 1960s and 1970s. He by British Mosquito night fighters, and, Langensalza, where, Reed said, the unit retired from Federal service in 1977. Reed reported, for the Mosquitoes to was prepared to wait out the rest of the Today, when he’s not at home working sport .50-caliber machine gun holes cour- war. Unfortunately, it turned out the for- on his model train sets, Jim Reed can be tesy of the Black Widows. mer Luftwaffe base was inside the Rus- found happily conducting tours at the Reed was in Belgium during the Battle sian occupation zone, forcing the 422nd AMC Museum. In a nod to his age, he of the Bulge, which took place during the to pull up stakes and actually retrace its doesn’t clamber around too many of the coldest winter in memory. The Germans steps, heading westward instead of to the Museum’s display aircraft any more, pre- only got to within about 12 miles of east. ferring instead to describe the planes to Florennes, but engineers had dug trenches “We no sooner got unpacked then we tell of his wartime experiences to fasci- around the base, which Reed and the oth- had pack back up,” he said. nated Museum visitors. ers were prepared to use to defend the But the end of the European conflict in In all, Reed spent less than three years installation. He didn’t harbor much hope May 1945 didn’t necessarily mean the on active duty, almost all of it with the if that happened, he added. end of the 422nd. 422nd. He’s extremely proud of his ser- “It would have been us with carbines “We started getting more stuff on rec- vice and of his unit. against them with tanks,” he said. One ognizing Japanese aircraft because that “We had the best record of any night time, however, security forces shot down war hadn’t ended yet,” Reed said. The fighter squadron in the Air Force,” he a German aircraft that made the mistake men were told they’d get a 30-day leave said. Among other achievements, the of making more than one pass over the stateside and then reassemble on the West 422nd was the first unit of its kind to base. Coast to prepare for the invasion of the achieve a kill, shoot down a German “I was nowhere near the line when that Japanese homeland. Fortunately for the rocket, first to achieve ace status and happened, so it didn’t bother me a bit,” men of the 422nd, the Japanese surren- which had the greatest number of night Reed said. dered before the group had even left Eu- fighter kills in the USAAF. The unit was Switching tactics during the Battle of rope. Instead of going to the Pacific, awarded the Presidential Unit Citation as the Bulge, 422nd flew daylight cover Reed was discharged and the 422nd deac- well as the Fourragere of the Belgian over Bastogne, destroying a number of tivated on Sept. 30, 1945. Croix de Guerre. German trucks and railroad stock. Afterward, Reed returned to New York “Like most veterans, I was a very small As Allied armies swept over Germany, University, earned a Reserve Air Force cog in a very big wheel that crushed the the 422nd moved with them, but by early commission and started working for Axis, and deservedly won the title of the 1945, the Luftwaffe effectively had been Northwest and Flying Tiger freight lines. ‘Greatest Generation,’” he said. Memorial bricks added to Commemorative Garden The AMC Museum added 21 new memorial bricks to the Commemorative Garden on Veterans Day, May 27: - 317 Veterans Group - Del-Rods - In memory of James E. Peel, Lt Col, USAF - Col. T. Applegate - AMC Museum volunteer Richard Dorre 1934 – 2007 CONS commander 1,000+ hours USAFA 1960 Jul 01 – June 04 - AMC Museum volunteer Don Hall Vietnam veteran - Lt. Col. Bill Arnold 1,000+ hours - In memory of Sandy Sandstrom 1st ATS, 12/61-5/72 - In honor of 1st Lt. Harold W. Joiner CMSgt, Flight Engineer 9th MAS, 10-78-6/84 B-25 pilot, WWII AMC Museum Team - Ed Barnes, TSgt, USAF From friends at Christ UMC Teller of tales A friend missed CG-4A crew chief - AMC Museum volunteer Ken Konesey - In memory of SSgt. Donald L. 25 Aug 1929 – 09 Feb 2013 1,000+ hours - Laura E. Byrnes Bundy - AMC Museum volunteer Richard Marks Steenhagen III USAF Supply 1,000+ hours - Sgt. L.R. Warfel - Ronald A. Bundy - SSgt. F. Monaghan 436th FMS/AGE Dover AFB 72-75 USAF aircraft electrician 44th Fighter Bomber Sq. - Jim Douglass 13th AF 1951-1954 - Dedicated to Lt. Col. Al Witmer AMC Foundation Board - Maj. Jack Shield Chief navigator and role model By crewmates, 1st ATS, DAFB Grassroots Aviation Caribou 63-9760 West 10 Feb 13 Vietnam 1969-70 - Anthony Zangari, MSgt, USAAF Because we flew WWII PH Pearl Harbor

Note: due to limitations imposed by the formatting style for each brick, the tribute information presented here is provided in a standardized format. PAGE 12 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3

Haunts (Continued from page 8) “She didn’t know if the church had taken a position on it, but she knows God can do whatever he wants to,” Robinson said. Jim Maitland considers his religious faith an important aspect of his investiga- tory work. “You never know what you’re going to run into,” he said. “There are malevolent spirits out there, not many, but they are USAF Photo out there. “The more you experience, the more you rely on your faith.” Energy, in one form or another, is what helps define a spirit’s presence. Some spirits seem to be at the mercy of the en- vironment around them, others appear to be able to transcend it. Some leave physi- cal traces, such as faint voices that can be Wendy Robinson keeps an eye on video monitors and audio recording equip- recorded or even a scintilla of perfume ment in the group’s well-equipped laboratory/van. All recorded images and wafting in the air. During one investiga- sounds are meticulously analyzed for the presence of unexplained phenomena. tion in Delaware , investigators Jeff Brown and Christine Benson reported the settling or changes in temperature as dusk There were at least two spikes in electro- presence of something that pushed down falls. magnetic field readings and a voice cap- on them. It takes something more than errant tured on the digital recordings, she said. Some also may be natural occurrences, sounds or flashing lights on a K-2 meter, Attempts to contact some of the Maitland said, sounds such as a building however, to convince investigators someone Jonestown victims also resulted in some or something from the other world has man- unexplained activity and they collected ifested a presence in this one. enough evidence to believe the C-47 is in- The investigators hoped some of that deed haunted, Robinson said. evidence would come from the spirits of “Overall, we felt they were successful some of the victims of the 1978 People’s investigations,” she wrote, adding the group Temple tragedy, followers of cult leader would like the opportunity to investigate the Jim Jones, whose remains were stored tem- Museum again. porarily in the hangar. Museum Director Mike Leister wel- Recorded images and sounds play a big comed the group, but added he’s not exactly part in providing that proof, Dalgarn said. convinced there are such things as paranor- “We listen to hours of recordings and mal occurrences. hope to hear one or two things,” she said. “I’m happy we can provide an opportuni- “We won’t say a place is haunted until we ty for the research team to explore phenome- get evidence like a direct response to an na that interest them,” he said. “I am a com- asked question.” plete skeptic when it comes to hauntings, The results but my personal beliefs don’t enter into the It turns out parts of Hangar 1301 may reason we welcome their visits. indeed be a way station between this world “The team conducted themselves profes- and the next, Robinson said. sionally and respected the artifacts and the Writing in an after-action report to the museum; that is good enough for me. This AMC Museum Foundation Board, Robin- is like alien visitation, someday someone son said members of the investigatory team may actually document something that underwent several personal experiences mainstream scientists recognize as proof, Steve Wood runs a connecting ca- while spending the night at the Museum. but for now…” ble to Jeff Brown from the window of the Turf and Sport Special C-47. These included, but weren’t limited to, A video of the Delaware Historic The group later determined there shadow movements, unexplained noises Haunts investigation at the Museum may was reason to believe the plane is and a general feeling that they were not be found at www.delmarvahistorichaunts haunted. alone. .com. HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 13

around and about YOUR AMCAMC MUSEUMMUSEUM

The Nichols family of West Burlington, Iowa, visited the Museum June 2. The family includes, in front, Garrett Tom and Patty Coffman of Dover, Del., look over the and Grace Nichols, plus parents Darren and Kelly. With belly gunner’s turret at the Museum’s B-17. them are Kelly’s sister, Dr. Emily Calloway and John Gilmer of Camden, Del.

William “Mr. Willie” Thomas of Bowie, Md., shows off his entry during the Museum’s annual PT Cruiser Ross, Kayla, Chloe and Autumn Roark of Dover visited show in April. “I’ve loved the model since it first came the AMC Museum during the PT Cruiser show. out,” Thomas said. “It reminds me of old-time cars.”

Members of Smyrna Cub Scout Pack 135, Colton An- Grieg “Ozzie” Osmundson definitely loves his Oreo glin, Pierce Mayhew, Ryan Conway, Connor Hetteroth, cookies. Ozzie was one of many who showed off their Kevin Gessner and Wesley Johnson, listen as Museum collections of just about anything at the AMCM’s annu- volunteer Henry Bright explains the CG-41 Waco glider. al Collector’s Day event. PAGE 14 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 Pave a Path to History In Commemoration Park With Only One Brick ...... you can accomplish two things — become a permanent part of history in Commemoration Park and join The AMC Museum Foundation in supporting the museum. And what a great idea — there are so many reasons to order your brick today!  Offer tribute to or memorialize a loved one.  Give a holiday or birthday gift.  Commemorate a special date.  Recognize a special group.  Show your personal or business support for the AMC Museum.

To acknowledge the purchase of your brick, you’ll receive a certificate of recognition suitable for framing or presenting to the person you’ve honored. Bricks may be purchased by individuals, businesses, groups, or organizations.

INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION 4-inches by 8-inches 8-inches by 8-inches 4-inches by 8-inches 8-inches by 8-inches 1 to 3 lines — 15 characters 1 to 6 lines — 15 characters 1 to 3 lines — 15 characters 1 to 6 lines — 15 characters and spaces on each line and spaces on each line and spaces on each line and spaces on each line $65 $125 $125 $250

All letters are capitalized. Don’t forget to count spaces between letters, too. Mail form and payment to:

BUSINESSES — Have your logo engraved on a brick! Designs must be BRICK PROJECT MANAGER pre-approved by the engraving company. AMC MUSEUM FOUNDATION INC Call the AMC Museum Store at 302-677-5992 for more information. 1301 HERITAGE ROAD DOVER AFB, DE 19902-5301 Name (Mr. Mrs. Ms. Rank) ______Address ______E-mail ______City ______State ____ Zip ______Phone ______Notify me of my brick’s location

Payment Method Check VISA Mastercard American Express Discover Name as it appears on card ______Phone (Needed for credit card payment) ______Credit Card Number______Expiration Date ______

Signature (credit card only) ______Amount Enclosed $______Line 1 Please order the size brick I’ve checked below: Line 2 Individual 3-line $65

Line 3 Individual 6-line $125

Business 3-line $125 Line 4 (For 8-inch by 8-inch bricks only) Business 6-line $250

Line 5 (For 8-inch by 8-inch bricks only) Photocopy this form if you’d like to order more than one. Line 6 (For 8-inch by 8-inch bricks only) Questions? Email member [email protected]. THANK YOU! HANGAR DIGEST PAGE 15

BECOME A MEMBER!

SUPPORT THE AMC MUSEUM

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY ANNUAL DUES BENEFITS Crew Member $30 Membership certificate, member card good for 10% off purchases in the Museum store, quarterly Hangar Digest newsletter and challenge coin*

Flight Crew Member $50 Crew member benefits plus challenge coin* for each family member (maximum five) Squadron Commander $100 Flight crew member benefits plus recognition in the Hangar Digest newsletter, name engraved on plaque, free admission to annual Foundaton mixer

Group Commander $250 Squadron commander benefits plus two museum coffee mugs Wing Commander $500 Group commander benefits plus one crew member membership for friend, signed and numbered aviation print, museum golf shirt personalized with name and donor category

DONOR CATEGORY DONATION BENEFITS Lifer (Life Member) $500 Wing Commander benefits Eagle Donor $1,000 Wing Commander benefits plus special engraved plaque for your home or or- ganization. All Eagle Donors receive further benefits and recognition. Please Bronze Eagle Donor $2,500 contact the museum at 302-677-5938 for more information Silver Eagle Donor $5,000

Gold Eagle Donor $10,000 Platinum Eagle Donor $25,000 *Initial and 5-year anniversaries

Sign me up as a Friend of Name (Mr. Mrs. Ms. Rank) ______the AMC Museum at the Address ______E-mail ______following level: City ______State ____ ZIP ______Phone ______(Required for credit card) Crew Member Payment Method Check VISA MasterCard American Express Discover Flight Crew Member Name as it appears on card ______Squadron Commander Credit Card Number ______Exp Date ______Group Commander Signature (credit card only) ______Wing Commander This is a gift membership for: Lifer Name ______E-mail ______Eagle Donor Bronze Eagle Donor Address ______Phone ______Silver Eagle Donor City ______State _____Zip______Gold Eagle Donor Extra benefit for flight crew members and above: Questions? Platinum Eagle Donor Number of coins (maximum of five) ___ Email us at: Thank you for helping to membershipamcm Extra benefit for Wing Commander members and above: preserve U.S. Air Force @comcast.net. airlift and air refueling Shirt size (circle) Small Medium Large XL XXL history. The AMC Muse- um Foundation is a non- Name to be embroidered on shirt ______profit, educational organi- zation that raises money and generates support for MEMBERSHIP MANAGER the AMC Museum. Dues Mail application and payment to: AMC MUSEUM FOUNDATION INC and donations are tax- deductible in accordance 1301 HERITAGE ROAD with IRS regulations. DOVER AFB, DE 19902-5301 AMC Museum Foundation, Inc. 1301 Heritage Road Dover AFB, DE 19902

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 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON UPCOMINGEVENTS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.AMCMUSEUM.ORG